What Makes Love Last

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What Makes Love Last

The latest findings on what makes marriages strong.

Marriage research today has switched from predicting how many unions will crumble to uncovering what makes a marriage strong, says Bobbie Yagel, co-author of 15 Minutes to Build a Stronger Marriage The latest findings:

Increase praise. Psychologist John Gottman, Ph.D., who has studied two thousand married couples, says a minimum of five positive interactions for every negative one is essential to marital bliss. Gottman encourages plenty of touching, complimenting, smiling and laughing, and warns against criticism, contempt and defensiveness.
Touch often. UCLA researchers determined that meaningful touch is crucial to maintaining an intimate relationship. Other studies have found that women in particular need eight to ten meaningful touches a day to stay mentally and physically healthy.
Make marriage a priority. According to a study of fifty happily married couples by psychologist Judith Wallerstein, all fifty believed that creating a successful marriage was the major commitment of their adult lives.